Improvement in stilts



J. F. SGHULTHEIS Stilts.

"No. 218,457. Patented Aug. 12, I879.

I lNvENTORz- WITNEEEES: 43%?4 %.%MW/- N.PEYER5, PHOTO LH'HOGHAPHFR wumm TON n z UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE JOHN F. SOHULTHEIS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEM ENT IN STI LTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 218,457, dated August 12, 1879; application filed January 9, 1879.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OHN F. ScHUL'rHEIs, of the city of New York, county and State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Stilts; and do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference thereon.

Similar letters of reference indicate corre sponding parts in the several figures, of which Figure 1 is a side elevation with section of sliding tube B, and Fig. 2 a front elevation with partial sectional View of my improved stilts. Fig. 3 is a vertical section of the handie A and the attached sliding tube B. Fig. 4. is a partial elevation of such a stilt with a difl'erent-shaped handle, T. Fig. 5 is a plan of the foot-step O and cross-section of the stilt-post D through line w 00.

Walking on stilts, although not so much practiced in this country, is not only a great and favorite sport among younger folks as a healthy gymnastic exercise, but it is also very useful inplaces where floods occur frequently or in heavy snow-falls, as it is a ready means to cross such obstructions.

My invention consists-in providing stilts not so much as a matter of necessity, but for convenience, with an adjustable metallicfoot-step, O, whichis fastened to the'stilt-post D by means of a bolt, E, this foot-step having at its lower extremity a pin, F, which, fitting into one of the holes G, prevents it from turning, and at its upper end a short projection or lip, V, to take off the strain from the bolt E and pin F. The top of the foot-step I cover with a piece of vulcanized rubber, roughened on its upper side, (see Fig. 5,) to give the, foot a firm hold and prevent it from slipping.

My invention further consists in fastening a leather strap, I, to the front of the foot-step O, and in a buckle, K, screwed at a proper distance into the stilt-post D.

The object of this strap I, which rests at Y in a little recess, to keep it from moving sidewise, is to assist in keeping the foot on the step 0, when lifting the stilts while walking, without cramping the foot, which would be dangerous in the case of a fall.

That part of the stilt-post D which is provided with holes G is made stronger, so it will not be weakened by said holes. By shifting the foot-step G to different holes it can be raised or lowered accordingly, which will be very convenient for beginners. W are drilled in the stilt-post D, for the shifting of the buckle K.

Should it be desirable to have the foot-step O stationary, as would be the case when manufacturing certain fixed sizes, the shiftingholes G and W will be dispensed with, and in this case the strap I may be fastened to the stilt-post D, and the buckle K to the under side of the foot-step G.

The lower shank, L, of the stilt-post D is made tapering, and has a steel point, M, inserted at its end, which, when worn, can be easily replaced by another. A ferrule, N, keeps the end from splitting or bursting.

The handle A, at its lower part, 0, is made hollow, to receive the sliding tube B, a pin, P, passing through both, and, being riveted, holds them firmly together. Said sliding tube B fits closely over the upper part of the stiltpost D, serves, by raising it, to lengthen the stilts, and is held in the proper position by means of the wood-screws Q. For this purpose the stilt-post D, which is made of wood,

(for the sake of lightness, usually ash,) has holes- B, drilled certain distances apart, for shifting and receix ing said wood-screws Q.

The central part, S, of the handle A, Figs. 1,2, 3, is also usually made of wood, and is kept from turning by passing a square pin or bolt, U, through it, which is riveted on both ends.

Handle T, Fig. 4, may be made of light casting; but the wooden one, as before mentioned, is preferable, especially in winter.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The combination of the leather strap I, buckle K, and stilt-post D with the metallic foot-step or rest 0, provided with pin F, lip V, recess Y, and rubber covering H, substantially as herein shown and described, and for the purpose set forth.

JOHN FR. SOHULTHEIS.

Witnesses:

R. PRISK, O. M. WAGNER.

Similar holes 

